New Technology brings Sophisticated Cardiac Service to Waterbury Hospital
The aortic valve is a main valve between the heart and the rest of the body. As we age, our heart ages we become more at risk of developing aortic valve stenosis. Aortic valve stenosis, or narrowing of the aortic valve, is a very common degenerative disease of the cardiac valves resulting in a calcified aortic valve that can't fully open (aortic valve stenosis).
If the valve doesn't open correctly, blood flow from the heart to the body is reduced. Consequently, a patient can will feel constantly tired and fatigued. Patients with aortic valve stenosis present with symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. This affects a patient’s quality of life and his or her survival. Fortunately for these cardiac patients, advanced technology has made is possible to have a life changing procedure with less discomfort and shorter recovery time.
A decade ago, the only option for fixing the aortic valve was open heart surgery. For many patients with a lot of comorbidities, this option was not available, and for those who were able to have the procedure, this meant longer hospital stays and longer recovery time.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure to replace the heart valve. This procedure is performed in a new hybrid operating room, one of the most sophisticated in the state, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Best of all, Waterbury Hospital is the only hospital in greater Waterbury to offer this live-saving procedure.
The procedure takes a short time and one of the great benefits is that this is an option for people who are at risk of complications from open-heart surgery. For patients, this advanced technology means less complications and less pain. Patients are discharged home within 24 to 48 hours. They can enjoy a better quality, longer life.
TAVR is the latest interventional cardiac procedure offered at the Heart and Valve Center at Waterbury Hospital.
For more than 30 years Waterbury Hospital has been providing increasingly sophisticated cardiac services to patients right here at home. Our multi-disciplinary team of cardiac specialists employs a proactive approach for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease that is patient-centered and evidence-based. We provide convenient, local access to a wealth of resources and the latest, most sophisticated treatments to help patients return to a healthy, active life.
The Heart and Valve Center at Waterbury Hospital works in conjunction with the Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury to provide patients with comprehensive cardiac services that cover every stage of care: diagnostic testing, interventional treatments, cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Waterbury Hospital has distinguished itself for excellence in cardiac care including as 1 of 2 hospitals in the state of Connecticut to receive the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ and the only hospital in the New Haven area* to receive the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ in 2022 by Healthgrades.
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By: Dr. Ehsan Ansari, Interventional Cardiologist, Waterbury Hospital, Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury
